Only total abstinence from sexual contact offers 100% protection from pregnancy and STIs. Almost half of men (45%) and a quarter (26%) of women agreed that drinking alcohol had contributed to them having sex without using contraception. (ICCP, 2004). Be Drink Aware. (www.drinkaware.ie) You may not know if you have an STI. Up to 86% of women and 50% of men with gonorrhoea have no symptoms. (HPSC, 2008) Lots of people do not know when a woman’s most fertile time in her cycle is. Recent research found that only 31% of men and 56% of women knew a woman’s most fertile time. (ISSHR, 2006) Young people aged 20-29 have the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections. (HPSC, 2008) In the space of ten years, there has been a 700% increase in cases of Chlamydia in Ireland. (HPSC, 2008) Practicing ‘Double Dutch’ (using condoms with other methods of contraception) will help you to have safer sex and prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Vomiting, diarrhoea, antibiotics and some other prescribed drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. In all instances another method of contraception should be used. The majority of contraception is 99% effective BUT only if used correctly and consistently.

Intrauterine Contraceptive Device – The Coil

98–99% effective

Description

The coil is a small plastic and copper device that is put into the womb.

How it Works

It works by stopping the sperm from meeting the egg, by delaying the egg getting to the womb, or may prevent an egg from settling in the womb.

Advantages

  • Does not interrupt sex
  • Works as soon as it is inserted
  • Can stay in for up to eight years
  • If inserted after the age of 40 may stay in until the menopause

Drawbacks

  • May cause irregular bleeding
  • Insertion and removal must be done by a specially trained doctor
  • Risk of pelvic infection
  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections